The Black Swordsmen Deku: Hero of Aincrad

by OtakuShift

Welcome to my MHAxSAO crossover. We follow a quirkless Izuku Midoriya as he goes down his dark journey through Aincrad. Haunted by his past, Deku fights as a solo player on the front lines. As he clears each floor, he must learn to overcome his darkness, grief, rediscover hope, and find the strength to save everyone trapped inside SAO. But what's waiting for him in the real world?

20. Chapter 20: Love that Endures

Chapter 20: Love that Endures

Deku and Asuna stood in front of Heathcliff's desk, the room filled with a tension that neither of them had anticipated. Heathcliff's steely gaze swept between them, his expression unreadable. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he studied them both, particularly Deku, who looked… different.

"So," Heathcliff finally spoke, his voice calm but probing, "you're requesting time off?"

Asuna nodded, her usual confidence shining through as she spoke. "Yes, we've both been on the front lines since nearly the beginning. We need a break."

Heathcliff's gaze shifted to Deku, his lips pressing into a thin line. "And you?" he asked, his tone carrying a trace of curiosity. "This seems like quite the change of heart from someone who—" he paused, searching for the right words, "insisted on working alone."

Deku met Heathcliff's eyes, his resolve clear, but there was a softness in his expression now, something that hadn't been there before. "I've realized that I don't need to be alone," he said quietly, glancing at Asuna with a faint smile. "Not anymore."

Heathcliff raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the transformation. He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk, deep in thought. After a long moment, he sighed and nodded. "Take as much time as you need," he said. "The guild can manage without you for a while."

Deku and Asuna both bowed slightly in gratitude. "Thank you," Asuna said, her voice filled with relief.

As they turned to leave, Heathcliff's gaze lingered on Deku a little longer, a flicker of contemplation in his eyes. Something had changed in the boy, and it seemed to run deeper than simply wanting time away from battle.

The halls of the Knights of the Blood Oath were quiet as Deku and Asuna walked side by side, the echo of their footsteps softly reverberating off the stone walls. Asuna was practically buzzing with excitement, her usual composed demeanor giving way to a giddy energy that made Deku smile.

"I can't believe we're actually doing this!" Asuna beamed, her eyes bright as she glanced over at him. "I've been dreaming of taking a break from the front lines for so long. I've got so many ideas of where we can go! Hot springs, entertainment districts… there are so many places I've never even seen."

Deku chuckled at her enthusiasm, watching her with a warmth in his chest that hadn't been there before. It was like seeing her in a new light—less guarded, more carefree. He could feel the excitement radiating from her, and it was infectious. "I think it'll be good for both of us," he said softly, his smile widening as he caught the sparkle in her eyes.

Asuna, now more animated than ever, kept rattling off ideas. "Oh! And there's this place I heard about on the 32nd Floor with an incredible view of the floating islands. And there's another one on the 48th Floor with these natural hot springs… Oh, and on the 40th Floor, there's supposed to be a festival starting soon!"

When Asuna brought up the hot springs, Deku's face immediately flushed. His mind raced, images of the two of them together at a hot spring forming in his head. His pulse quickened, and he glanced sideways at Asuna, wondering if she was aware of how that suggestion had completely thrown him off balance. Hot springs… alone… together? What does that even mean? Are we there for relaxation? I mean, of course, but will we—

He quickly shook the thoughts from his head, trying to focus on the conversation. His cheeks remained pink as he muttered inwardly, I need to stop overthinking this.

Deku nodded along, still flustered but trying to keep his cool. "You've really put a lot of thought into this, haven't you?" he teased lightly, his heart still racing as he watched her face light up with each new suggestion, trying to focus on her excitement instead of his own overactive imagination.

Asuna playfully nudged him. "Hey, when you spend almost every waking moment on the front lines, you start making plans for what you'll do when you finally get a chance to relax. I've been thinking about this for months!" She spun around to face him as they reached the exit of the headquarters. "I'm serious this will be great."

Deku laughed, the sound of her calling him by his real name in that pushy but endearing way sending a wave of warmth through him. "I don't doubt it," he replied, the joy in his tone mirroring hers. It felt like something inside him had loosened, like a weight had been lifted from his chest. This was the first time in a long time that he allowed himself to look forward to something beyond just surviving another day.

The two of them stepped out of the headquarters and into the bustling streets of Aincrad, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the town. The vibrant marketplace bustled with players going about their day—buying, selling, and talking, the air filled with the hum of life and activity. But for Deku, all of that faded into the background as he focused on Asuna, her voice carrying on with excitement about their break.

"I'm telling you, Izuku," Asuna said with a grin, using his real name in her playful, pushy way. "This place we're going to? It has the best food. You've never had anything like it."

Deku raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing as he replied, "Didn't you say the same thing about that place on Floor 17? And then you admitted you just wanted cake?"

Asuna pouted, crossing her arms but unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Okay, fine, maybe I exaggerated a little back then. But this time, I'm serious! You'll see."

Deku chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Uh-huh, sure. Whatever you say, Asuna."

Deku and Asuna walked side by side down the busy street of Aincrad, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the city. The atmosphere between them was light, filled with a sense of newfound freedom now that they had taken some time off from the front lines. Asuna had been excitedly talking about all the different places they could visit, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she shared her ideas.

They continued walking, the sound of bustling shops and players around them becoming background noise. Asuna was so animated in her excitement that Deku found himself grinning without even realizing it. As they neared the tavern, he decided to continue teasing her.

"But if it turns out you're just craving dessert again, I'm never letting you live it down," Deku said, his voice playful and light.

"You're impossible," Asuna huffed, her face turning a light shade of pink as she gave him a gentle push. The action was more affectionate than anything else, and Deku could feel the warmth from her hand linger even after she withdrew it.

"You'll see. You'll eat your words," she shot back.

"Or cake," Deku muttered, his eyes glinting mischievously as Asuna shot him a flustered glare.

Just as they stepped inside the tavern, Deku leaned in with a grin, lowering his voice just enough for her to hear, "So… should I be expecting cake or a confession of defeat?"

Asuna's face flushed even more, and she gave him another playful shove, this time a little harder. "Izuku, stop embarrassing me!"

Laughing softly, Deku opened his mouth to tease her again when he felt Asuna instinctively wrap her arms around his arm. He blinked in surprise but didn't say anything, feeling a comfortable warmth from the gesture. He was about to make another comment when he noticed Asuna suddenly stiffen.

Her eyes widened as she scanned the room, quickly spotting Mito and Klein seated at a table in the middle of the tavern. Both of them had their jaws dropped, staring in utter shock at the sight of Asuna clinging to Deku's arm. The expressions on their faces made it clear—they had never seen anything like this from either of them before.

Asuna, realizing what was happening, panicked. Her face went beet red as she quickly pushed Deku away, harder than she had intended. Deku, completely caught off guard, stumbled backward, crashing into a nearby empty table with a loud thud. The entire tavern seemed to pause for a moment, all eyes turning toward the commotion as Deku lay sprawled out on the floor, blinking in confusion.

"Asuna!" Deku groaned, rubbing the back of his head as he struggled to sit up. "Was that really necessary?"

Asuna's face was burning with embarrassment as she rushed over, flustered beyond belief. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—Izuku, are you okay?!"

Before Deku could answer, Mito and Klein were already up from their seats, rushing over with wide eyes. Mito looked from Deku to Asuna, then back to Deku again, her expression a mix of disbelief and confusion.

"Wait a minute," Mito said, her voice full of urgency. "What on earth happened yesterday? You barely even looked at me when I tried talking to you, and you flat-out refused to work with any of us. Now—what the hell is this?"

Klein, still standing beside Mito, looked equally baffled, his brow furrowed as he stared at Deku, who was now picking himself up off the floor. "Yeah, seriously. You were like, 'stay away from me, I'm a lone wolf', and now… you're like this?" he gestured between Deku and Asuna, still trying to comprehend what he was seeing.

Deku, now thoroughly flustered, started muttering nervously, his words stumbling over each other as he tried to form a coherent sentence. "I-it's not what you think! I mean, well, it is, but… um, well… you see—"

Asuna, still mortified by the scene she had caused, wasn't faring much better. "We, um… it's complicated, and I—" She cut herself off, her face turning even redder as Mito's gaze pierced through her with questions.

Mito leaned in, her arms crossed. "Complicated, huh? You're not getting out of this one that easily."

Klein, sensing an opportunity, grinned and joined in on the interrogation. "Come on, guys, spill! What happened?"

Deku's muttering grew more frantic, his mind racing as he tried to think of a way to explain. But before he could come up with anything, Mito had already dragged him and Asuna over to the table, forcing them to sit down as the questioning continued.

After what felt like an eternity of fumbling explanations and avoiding direct answers, the four of them finally settled down at the table. Klein, still looking bewildered, leaned back in his chair, staring at Deku with a serious expression.

"You know, man," Klein started, his tone unusually somber. "I didn't know if I'd ever talk to you again."

Deku looked down, guilt washing over him as Klein's words hit home. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before speaking. "I'm sorry. I… I've changed so much since we've come here. I felt so lost, so useless."

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting to Asuna before he continued. "I thought if I kept the people I cared about around me, I'd only be a burden. That… eventually they'd leave or… die. And it would be my fault."

Deku's voice softened as he said this, his eyes lingering on Asuna. The atmosphere at the table grew heavier as his words hung in the air.

Asuna gave him a gentle look, and the somberness that had settled over the table began to lighten. Deku, realizing the shift, chuckled softly. "But you know Asuna… she's always been too stubborn to listen to me."

Asuna shot him a glare, though it was more playful than angry. "Stubborn, huh? I wonder where I learned that from."

Deku's laughter immediately stopped, sweat forming on his brow as he quickly looked away, the teasing look in Asuna's eyes making him nervous. "Uh, well… I mean…"

The playful atmosphere returned as everyone chuckled. Klein leaned forward, crossing his arms on the table. "So, what are you two planning to do now? Taking a little vacation from the front lines, I hear?"

Deku nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "Yeah, we're planning to visit some of the other floors. Asuna has a few places in mind."

Mito perked up. "Oh? Like where?"

Deku's eyes lit up with excitement as he spoke. "There's a place on the 22nd Floor I really want to take her to. It's… well, it's a surprise."

This piqued both Mito and Klein's interest. They exchanged glances before leaning in closer. "A surprise, huh?" Klein grinned. "Come on, you've got to give us more than that!"

Deku immediately grew flustered again, his muttering starting up as he tried to avoid giving away too much. "W-well, I mean, it's just… it's not really, um—"

Mito, sensing his panic, leaned in with a teasing grin. "Come on, Deku, just tell us!"

The pressure was mounting, and Deku felt his heart racing. He took a deep breath, steeling himself before blurting out, "It's a surprise, okay?!"

Klein and Mito both groaned, clearly not satisfied with the answer, but they relented, seeing how flustered Deku was.

Klein then threw an arm around Deku's neck, pulling him into a playful headlock. "It's nice to have you back, man. We missed you."

Deku smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at Klein's words. It was good to be surrounded by friends again.

Just as Klein released Deku from the headlock, the food arrived at their table. Plates were placed in front of each of them, and to Deku's surprise—and amusement—a slice of cake was set down in front of both Asuna and Mito.

Deku shot Asuna a playful glare. "Best food around, huh?"

Asuna grinned, picking up her fork and taking a bite of her cake. "Hey, cake is food too, and besides… I'm officially on vacation now."

Deku sighed in mock defeat, causing Mito to laugh. "You two have been acting like an old married couple for the better part of the last few months. It's about time you got together."

Both Deku and Asuna blushed, laughing sheepishly as the table erupted into lighthearted laughter.

They sat together, the atmosphere warm and easy, enjoying the rare moment of peace in a world filled with chaos. For the first time in a long while, everything felt right.

Deku and Asuna stood up, ready to leave. The warmth of their conversation lingered, but now it was time to move on. Klein was the first to rise from his seat, and as he did, his usually playful expression softened. He walked over to Deku, his hands resting on his hips for a moment as if unsure of how to start. When he finally spoke, his voice held an emotion that wasn't often heard from him.

"Deku… you really had us worried back there," Klein admitted, his eyes briefly flicking to Mito, who gave a solemn nod. "I didn't know if I'd ever get to talk to you like this again. Honestly, I didn't even know if I'd see you again." His voice cracked slightly, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "But… I'm glad you're back. Really glad."

Deku blinked, surprised by the sincerity in Klein's tone. For a moment, the weight of everything that had happened, all the darkness and distance he'd put between himself and his friends, hit him. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Klein pulled him into a tight hug.

"Good to have you back, bud," Klein whispered, his voice low but filled with emotion. When they pulled away, there was a noticeable warmth between them, and Deku couldn't help but smile, even as his eyes glistened slightly.

Mito and Asuna exchanged glances before Mito stepped forward. She and Asuna embraced warmly, their bond as strong as ever. After they parted, Mito turned her attention to Deku, giving him a small wave as he began to speak.

"It was great to see y—" he started, but before he could finish, Mito grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into a tight hug, completely surprising him.

Asuna chuckled softly at the sight, her heart swelling as she watched two of the closest people in her life come together in such a heartwarming way. Mito, on the other hand, wasn't about to let Deku off the hook so easily.

"If you ever pull a stunt like that again," Mito said, her voice firm but laced with affection, "I'll be the one to beat some sense into you, got it?"

Deku stood there, wide-eyed and frozen in Mito's embrace, his mind racing for a way out. He turned to Asuna for help, but she was already nodding in agreement, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Y-Yes, ma'am," Deku replied, a bead of sweat forming as he straightened up.

With that, they all shared a round of laughter, the tension from before finally dissolving into something lighter. The emotional walls between them had crumbled, and the sense of camaraderie they shared had never felt stronger.

As Deku and Asuna made their way toward the door, Klein called out one last time, "Take care of each other, okay?"

Deku turned, giving Klein a nod, while Asuna smiled warmly. "Always," she replied, her voice filled with quiet certainty.

With those parting words, the two stepped out of the tavern, the weight of the past few days lifted off their shoulders as they headed toward the 22nd floor, ready to face whatever came next, but this time, together.

Deku's eyes softened as they walked together through the quiet night, the distant sound of nature humming in the background. The late evening air was crisp but comfortable, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of the upper floors. He gently squeezed Asuna's hand, feeling the warmth of her fingers interlaced with his. For the first time in what felt like years, he felt… calm.

Maybe it was the peaceful surroundings, or maybe it was just being with her, but something was different now. There was a quiet kind of joy in him—one that he hadn't felt in a long time. The feeling caught him off guard, and for a moment, his mind drifted back to memories he'd rather forget.

Ever since Izuku was four years old and found out he didn't have a quirk, everything changed. Life shifted from hopeful to isolated. The friends he thought he had slowly disappeared, the one he trusted most turning into his biggest tormentor. He could still remember Bakugo's voice, filled with cruel laughter as he called him useless, quirkless. Even in his earliest memories, Izuku had known that the world was cruel to those who couldn't stand out. The only good thing in his life had been his mother.

But then… even she couldn't give him the reassurance he needed. That day, after returning from the hospital, when he had asked her if he could still be a hero, her response had shattered something inside him. He could still hear her soft, heartbroken voice: "I'm sorry, Izuku," as tears streamed down her face, hugging him tightly. In that moment, he thought even his mother had given up on his dream. She hadn't believed in him.

For years, that memory haunted him, creeping into every quiet moment of doubt. But here, right now, walking with Asuna—things felt different. It was strange, how despite everything he had been through in Aincrad, something about being with her made him feel like maybe things could change.

He could tell her how he didn't have many friends growing up, how the loneliness weighed on him even before SAO. But when it came to quirks… he would avoid the topic. He wasn't ready for that yet, not when it was still so tied to the deepest part of his self-doubt.

What he did know was that he didn't want to lose Asuna—not after everything they had been through. Sure, he had told others like Present Mic and Lisbeth about his quirklessness, but it had felt different with them. It wasn't as personal as it was with Asuna, or at least that's what he told himself. Maybe he was overthinking things, classic Izuku-style, but he couldn't shake the feeling that telling her everything about himself might change the way she saw him.

And the thought of losing her because of that was unbearable.

He glanced over at Asuna, who was smiling softly, seemingly lost in her own thoughts as they walked together. Her hand in his was a simple but powerful comfort, a reminder that, for now at least, he didn't have to be alone. That was enough—more than enough, really.

As they neared the cabin, a soft glow from the setting sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows over the path. The peace of the moment was palpable, and for the first time in a long while, Izuku allowed himself to breathe a little easier.

They had just reached the cabin, and Asuna couldn't take her eyes off it. The view from the top of the hill had been breathtaking, but now, standing right in front of the place, she was left in awe. It looked like something out of a dream—rustic, warm, and inviting, nestled against the backdrop of the lake and trees. She couldn't help but let out a small gasp.

"It's beautiful," Asuna murmured, her voice filled with wonder.

Deku smiled softly, but before she could say anything else, he walked right up to the front door, turned the handle, and stepped inside without a second thought.

Asuna's eyes widened in panic. "Izuku, wait! There's no 'for sale' sign. This is someone's home!" Her voice rose with urgency as she rushed to stop him from intruding. She could already picture the awkward explanation they'd have to give if the owners found them here.

But Deku didn't stop. He walked in with complete confidence, as if he had every right to be there.

Asuna froze in the doorway, her heart racing as she stared after him, torn between disbelief and confusion. "Izuku, what are you doing?! You can't just walk into someone's house!" she hissed, trying to pull him back.

A moment later, his head poked back out, a calm expression on his face, as if he hadn't heard a word of her frantic protest. "Are you coming in?"

Asuna's mouth opened and closed a few times, completely at a loss for words. "Izuku…" she started, her voice shaky, "you're serious? You can't just—"

Deku leaned against the doorframe, chuckling softly. "Yeah, I bought it when I passed through this floor the first time," he said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. "Stopped by and bought it, though this is my first time back since… Actually, it's my first time inside the cabin since the beta."

Asuna blinked at him, the weight of his words slowly sinking in. "Wait… you bought it? This is—your—house?"

Deku nodded with a sheepish grin, his hand scratching the back of his head. "Yeah. It's mine. I guess I forgot to mention that part."

For a moment, Asuna could only stand there, her mind racing to catch up with everything he'd just said. Slowly, the panic melted away, replaced by a stunned amazement. She had been so worried about intruding, but this entire time, it had been his place.

Shaking her head in disbelief, she finally stepped inside, still marveling at the fact that Deku owned the place. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"

Deku gave her a soft laugh, his gaze drifting around the cabin as if he was seeing it through new eyes. "I wanted to show you this place because… well, it's special to me. I haven't stayed here, not once, since I bought it, but I always thought… maybe someday I'd come back with someone important."

Asuna's heart skipped a beat at his words, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "But why didn't you ever use it? I mean…" She paused, trying to piece her thoughts together. "You've been staying at inns for so long, and not exactly the nice ones either. Why stay in all those places when you had this? You always seemed more comfortable in places like that."

Deku's expression grew distant for a moment, his eyes flicking away from hers as he thought back. He let out a soft sigh before speaking. "There's… a reason. I didn't want to come back here before." He hesitated, his voice quieter now. "Because I made a promise. A promise to someone… someone important to me."

Asuna's brow furrowed in concern. "A promise? To who?"

Deku's voice wavered slightly, but he didn't look away. "Melissa." Her name lingered in the air for a moment, and Asuna could feel the weight behind it. "Before she died, I promised her I'd bring her here one day. That we'd come back together."

The silence between them deepened, filled with emotions neither of them could fully express in words. Asuna gently placed her hand on his arm, offering him quiet comfort as he continued.

"When I was a beta tester, I found this cabin, and I knew right away that it was special. It felt like a place where I could forget about everything outside—about real life, about my worries. I used to come here whenever things got too overwhelming." He glanced toward the large window, his eyes unfocused as if seeing the past. "When Melissa and I were planning what we'd do once we cleared the game… this was one of the first places I told her about. I said we'd come back here, just the two of us, once it was all over."

Deku's hands balled into fists as the memories washed over him. "After she died… I couldn't bring myself to come back here. It felt like I'd failed her. Like I'd broken that promise."

Asuna's grip on his arm tightened, and she stepped closer, her voice soft. "Izuku… you didn't fail her."

Deku let out a shaky breath, his shoulders tense. "I know. I just… couldn't let go of the guilt. But when I thought about coming here with you, it felt different. It didn't hurt as much anymore."

He looked at her then, his green eyes filled with something raw and vulnerable. "I think Melissa would've wanted me to bring you here. She always wanted me to keep going, even when it felt impossible."

Asuna's heart swelled at his words. "I'm glad you brought me here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "And I'm sure she would've been glad too."

Deku gave her a small, grateful smile, and for the first time in a long while, he felt the weight of his promise start to lift. He wasn't alone anymore.

Asuna remained quiet after Deku's revelation about Melissa, her fingers still gently entwined with his as they stood in the doorway. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable—it was a space for him to breathe, to gather his thoughts after sharing such a heavy part of himself. He had never spoken about Melissa so openly, and though the weight of his words hung in the air, there was an odd sense of relief in having shared it with her.

Asuna gave his hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes filled with compassion and warmth. "Izuku," she whispered, her voice soft and full of care. "You've been carrying so much for so long."

Deku managed a small smile in return, though his chest still felt tight. "Yeah," he admitted quietly, the word coming out in a breath. "I guess I have."

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Asuna, hesitant but genuinely wanting to understand him better, asked, "Was… Melissa the only person who made you feel like that? Like… you were enough?"

Deku's breath hitched slightly at the question. He wasn't sure if he was ready to go down that road, but the look in Asuna's eyes—filled with sincerity and concern—urged him to open up. She wasn't just asking out of curiosity; she wanted to be there for him.

Deku let out a quiet breath. "I… I've always had my mom. She's been the one constant in my life. But…" His thoughts paused as his mind flashed back to that memory from when he was younger. But even she didn't believe in my dream, he thought to himself, the unspoken words hanging heavily in his mind, but he decided to shake that from his mind.

He cleared his throat and continued, "I never knew my dad. He left before I was born, and I've never met anyone from his side of the family. Everyone on my mom's side… they're all gone. They passed away before I was born, so it's just been the two of us. My mom and me."

Asuna's grip on his hand tightened, a silent gesture of comfort. He glanced at her, appreciating her quiet support, but the hardest part of the story was still ahead.

"There was someone else, though," Deku continued, his voice quieter. "My childhood best friend. We grew up together." He hesitated, the words catching in his throat as he started to say the nickname. "Kach—" but quickly corrected himself, "Bakugou."

He paused, memories flooding back, the early days they spent together running through his mind. "We both looked up to All Might. Bakugou was… unstoppable. Always confident, always winning. I admired that about him—about Bakugou too. He never seemed to lose, no matter what. I thought we'd always be friends."

Deku's expression darkened slightly, his voice heavy with the weight of the memories. "But when he got his quirk…" Deku trailed off, shaking his head. "He got a really strong one, and after that… he started acting like he was better than everyone else. Like he was on top of the world. And no matter what I tried, he just… started pushing me away."

The words became harder to say as Deku recalled the gradual shift. "At first, it was just distance, but eventually, it got worse. He started bullying me. Everyone else followed his lead. And the teachers… well, they just looked the other way. Like it wasn't happening."

Deku swallowed, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's when he started calling me 'Deku.' It's a reading of the kanji in my name, but… he twisted it to mean 'useless.' Every time he said it, it was like a reminder that I wasn't good enough." He chuckled bitterly. "And now, thanks to some glitch when we got trapped in here, it's my name here too. Like I'm wearing a constant reminder."

Asuna's face twisted in shock. "He turned your own name into an insult?" she asked, her voice breaking with disbelief and anger. "And now you're stuck with it?" She hesitated, her voice softening. "Izuku, I'm sorry… I didn't know. I never meant to use it like that."

Deku shook his head gently, giving her a reassuring look. "It's okay, Asuna. I know you didn't. Coming from you, it's different. It doesn't hurt the same way." He sighed, his tone a mix of acceptance and quiet pain. "I thought I could get away from it, but it's always there, isn't it?"

Asuna took a deep breath and gave him a small smile. "Maybe the name stuck, but that doesn't mean it's the same anymore. Deku… don't you remember all the lives you've saved since coming here? Like on the first floor, when you led everyone through that boss fight. No one else was brave enough to step up and take the lead, but you did. You kept people calm and fought with everything you had."

Deku blinked, a hint of surprise in his eyes as he remembered. Asuna continued, her eyes lighting up with admiration. "And on the 27th floor, you figured out that the boss wasn't just a typical monster but had the same fighting style as the villain Toxic Chainsaw. You realized that before anyone else, and you saved us by acting on it. No one else could've done that."

She paused, then continued with a softer tone, "And when those ALF members were ambushed, you could have kept going, but you didn't. You stayed to fight because you couldn't stand to see people suffer. Izuku, you've been more than just a strong fighter to everyone here. You always look out for others, no matter what it costs you."

Deku looked at her, confusion mixed with emotion. "Why are you bringing all this up?"

Asuna leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. Her voice was steady, carrying a conviction that resonated in the quiet night air. "Because, Deku, everyone who knows you sees more than just a strong player. We see someone who inspires us, someone who fights for others… we all see you as a true hero."

Her words washed over him, and Deku felt a warmth that made the pain of his name seem almost insignificant. The tears that slipped down his cheeks weren't from sorrow, but from the weight of her acceptance and unwavering belief in him. He wrapped his arms around Asuna, his chest heaving as he let himself feel the comfort she offered, no longer haunted by the name he'd once dreaded.

She held him tightly, her presence grounding him. In that moment, Deku knew she was his rock, the anchor that kept him steady, no matter the storm. And with Asuna by his side, the burdens he'd carried felt lighter than they ever had before.

They lingered in each other's arms, wrapped in a comfortable silence that spoke louder than words ever could. And then, as if pulled by an unspoken force, they drew closer, letting the quiet intimacy of the moment envelop them. They shared soft, gentle touches, leaning into one another, both careful and tender. Each movement carried the weight of their emotions, of all they had shared and all they had yet to share. And yet, it was simple and sweet, nothing more than two souls finding solace in each other's presence.

Deku looked down at her, his eyes tracing the soft lines of her face, lit gently by the pale moonlight filtering through the window. Asuna glanced up at him, her cheeks flushed, but her gaze steady. There was a silent understanding between them, a connection that had been building ever since they had first fought side by side. Slowly, Deku leaned in, his heart pounding in his chest as their lips met in a tender kiss.

The kiss was soft at first, both of them hesitant, but as the moments passed, the warmth between them grew. Their hands moved instinctively, Deku's wrapping gently around her waist while Asuna's fingers found their way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. The world melted away entirely now, and there was nothing but the quiet beating of their hearts in sync, the warmth of their bodies pressed together.

They eventually pulled back, breathless but smiling, their foreheads resting together as they shared the quiet moment. No words were needed. The feeling between them spoke volumes. Deku lifted his hand, brushing a strand of hair from Asuna's face as he gazed at her with a look of pure adoration.

"I'm so glad you're here with me," Deku whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Asuna smiled softly, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "I'm glad too," she whispered back.

They lay down together, arms wrapped around one another, and slowly, the exhaustion of the past few days caught up with them. As they drifted off to sleep, the world outside seemed so distant, and for the first time in what felt like forever, they both felt a sense of peace.

The next morning, Deku woke slowly, reaching out for Asuna beside him, only to find the space empty. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked in the soft morning light filtering through the window. He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and realized it was late—much later than he usually slept.

"Asuna?" he called out, his voice still groggy from sleep.

Moments later, Asuna appeared at the doorway, her head peeking in with a soft smile on her lips. "Good morning, sleepyhead," she said, her tone playful.

Deku blinked in surprise. "Morning… What time is it?"

Asuna chuckled, stepping into the room fully. "It's actually late. Really late." She paused, her cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment. "I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful, and well… I know how hard you usually push yourself, so I thought I'd let you rest."

Deku's eyes widened. "Wait, how long was I asleep?"

Asuna's blush deepened. "Well… it's been about three hours since I started getting breakfast ready."

"Three hours?!" Deku's shock was evident as he sat up more, running a hand through his hair. "You should've woken me up…"

Asuna crossed her arms and fixed him with a stern look. "You needed the rest, Izuku. You always work yourself to the point of exhaustion. You deserve a break."

Deku chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. "I… I do take naps sometimes…"

Asuna let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "That's not what I'm talking about, and you know it."

Deku grinned, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at the way Asuna looked out for him. There was something about her gentle yet firm way of caring that made him feel… safe. Like someone was finally looking out for him, and it was a feeling he wasn't used to.

"Well," Deku said after a moment, "if I slept through breakfast, we can still enjoy it, right?"

Asuna's smile widened. "Actually, I was thinking we could pack everything up and have a picnic by the lake. It's beautiful outside, and we could spend some time away from all the noise."

Deku's face brightened at the suggestion. "A picnic sounds perfect."

Asuna's excitement was contagious as she moved to pack up the food she had prepared, while Deku helped gather the last of their things. Together, they filled a small basket with fruits, bread, and other delicious treats she had prepared.

Once everything was packed, they headed outside, hand in hand, ready to enjoy the day together by the peaceful waters of the lake. The sun was shining brightly, the sky a brilliant blue, and for the first time in a long time, the weight of Aincrad's harsh reality seemed far away.

The two walked along the winding path, sunlight filtering through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Asuna looked around, her gaze sweeping over the towering trees and thick underbrush. She took a deep breath, letting the crisp, earthy scent fill her lungs.

"It's amazing," she said, her voice carrying a note of awe. "It feels like this forest goes on forever."

Deku nodded, a soft smile on his lips. "Yeah, it really does. I've always loved how peaceful it is here. It's like the trees just keep stretching on, even though we know they can't really."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while until Deku glanced over at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "By the way, Asuna… have you heard the rumors about this forest?"

Asuna raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Rumors?" she asked, glancing at him.

Deku shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Just things I've heard here and there. Apparently, there's a ghost with white hair and a horn who wanders around these woods. They say she appears suddenly, only to vanish as quickly as she came. Like… she was never really here at all."

Asuna's eyes widened, and she instinctively looked around, her hand tightening on the basket handle. "A ghost?!" she exclaimed, her voice a little louder than intended. Her cheeks flushed as she quickly composed herself. "I mean—there's no way. Right?" She tried to sound confident, but there was a hint of nervousness in her tone.

Deku smirked, crossing his arms. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say."

Asuna puffed her cheeks in response, looking away, a little annoyed at his teasing. Deku seized the opportunity, taking a step closer to her and making a sudden, playful noise. "Boo!"

Asuna gasped, nearly dropping the basket as she jumped back, eyes wide. She quickly turned to glare at him, her face a mix of shock and irritation. "Izuku! That wasn't funny!" she scolded, trying to keep her voice steady as her heart raced.

Deku burst out laughing, holding his stomach. "I'm sorry, Asuna, I couldn't resist!" He saw her stern expression, and his laughter died down, replaced by a sheepish grin. "Really, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to actually scare you that much…"

But Asuna's expression didn't soften, and Deku's nerves took over. He began to fumble over his words, his cheeks turning red as he tried to backtrack. "I-I mean, it's just… you know, it's all in fun, and I… I didn't think—"

Asuna's lips quirked up into a smirk, and before he could continue, she took his hand, squeezing it to stop his nervous muttering. Her stern demeanor faded, replaced by a gentle laugh. "Come on, scaredy-cat. Let's keep going."

Deku's face turned even redder, but he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face as she pulled him along the path, their fingers entwined.

As Deku and Asuna began setting up their picnic by the lake, spreading out a soft blanket and arranging the food, a sudden flash of light caught Deku's attention from within the forest. He froze, squinting in its direction as his eyes widened in disbelief. "There's no way…" he muttered.

Without another word, he bolted toward the light, leaving Asuna calling after him, "Izuku! Wait!" She quickly grabbed her sword, racing to catch up to him.

As they sprinted through the trees, Asuna caught up and pulled out her sword, her face a mix of concern and frustration. "You're so reckless!" she scolded, her eyes darting around as she gripped her weapon tightly.

Deku laughed, though his eyes remained focused ahead. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just see what this is about."

Just then, Asuna spotted something moving through the shadows. She gasped and instinctively jumped behind Deku, using him as a shield, her voice lowering to a nervous whisper. "Do you see that?"

Deku nodded, his eyes narrowing as the figure came into view. He saw flashes of white hair and a horn, and in a reflex, he prepared to activate a sword skill. But before he could strike, he noticed the green player cursor above the figure's head. His hand faltered, and he stopped dead in his tracks.

He took a closer look at the small figure. It wasn't a ghost—it was a little girl. Her wide eyes met his, filled with fear. She was shaking slightly, looking more fragile than any opponent he'd ever faced.

Realizing his mistake, Deku immediately tossed his sword aside and motioned for Asuna to do the same. "Asuna, look at her icon," he said urgently. "She's a player, not a ghost."

Asuna looked at the girl's cursor, then quickly dropped her sword beside his, her posture relaxing. "Oh… I'm sorry," she said, her tone gentle. "We didn't mean to scare you."

Deku held his hands up in a placating gesture as he stepped closer to the girl, who continued to look at them with a mix of wariness and confusion. "Hey, we're really sorry. We thought… well, we thought you were someone else."

Asuna nodded in agreement. "We won't hurt you, I promise."

The two of them maintained a little distance, hoping to make her feel more comfortable. Deku took a deep breath, trying to make his voice as soothing as possible. "My name is Deku," he said gently, gesturing towards Asuna. "And this is my friend, Asuna. What's your name?"

The girl hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between them. Her lips pressed together in a tight line as she glanced nervously around.

"What's a little girl like you doing all the way out here?" Deku asked softly. "Do you have any family with you? Where are your parents?"

The girl shook her head, her lips still pressed together, as her wariness seemed to deepen. Every question they asked only earned a small shake of her head, her fear still apparent.

Deku and Asuna exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to proceed. Just then, a loud growl echoed through the forest, coming from the girl's stomach. Deku couldn't help but chuckle, his face lit up with a bright, reassuring smile—the kind that could melt anyone's fear. He reached out his hand to her, mirroring a certain blond hero's iconic stance, and said warmly. "Sounds like someone's hungry. When's the last time you had something to eat?"

She didn't answer, but her cheeks flushed, and she clutched at her stomach.

Deku crouched down, offering her a warm smile as he extended a hand. "Why don't you come join us for some food. We've got plenty, and you can have as much as you like."

The girl's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting as she whispered, "Apples?"

Asuna laughed, her eyes lighting up. "We've got apples in the basket. You're welcome to have some."

The girl's gaze softened, and after a brief pause, she reached out, taking Deku's hand in hers with a sheepish nod. With the quiet trust of a child, she let them guide her back toward the lake, her footsteps light as she followed alongside them, a small spark of hope in her eyes.

As Deku and Asuna sat down with the little girl by the lake, they offered her some food from their basket, trying to make her feel comfortable. She sat on the edge of the blanket, her movements cautious and hesitant as if unsure if she was really allowed to partake.

Asuna smiled warmly, gesturing toward the basket. "Go ahead. You can have as much as you like."

The little girl's eyes flickered with confusion, her small hands hovering over the food as if waiting for permission. Finally, she picked up an apple, looking at it curiously before taking a tentative bite. As the sweet taste registered, her eyes widened, and she quickly began eating, moving from one item to the next as if she hadn't eaten in days.

After she had eaten her fill, Deku leaned forward, his tone gentle as he asked, "What's your name?"

The girl paused, glancing between them before finally murmuring, "Eri."

"Eri?" Asuna repeated softly, smiling as she heard the name. "That's a beautiful name."

Eri remained quiet, her gaze darting around as if still wary of her surroundings. Deku and Asuna exchanged a glance, both sensing the fear lingering behind her timid demeanor.

"Eri," Deku began carefully, trying to gauge her reaction, "where are your parents? Are they… are they here with you?"

Eri hesitated, looking down at her hands as she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. Her voice was small, almost a whisper, as she responded, "They're gone. My uncle told me that… they're both dead."

Deku felt a pang in his chest, and he exchanged a glance with Asuna, who looked equally heartbroken. He reached out, offering Eri a reassuring smile. "I'm so sorry, Eri."

Deku glanced at Asuna, who gave him a small nod, encouraging him to continue.

"How did you end up here, then?" Deku asked, trying to keep his tone gentle so as not to scare her.

Eri hesitated, clutching onto Deku's jacket as if for reassurance. "My uncle… he told me I was going to play a really fun game. He said he'd find me when we got in there and do whatever I wanted." She glanced down, her fingers tightening their hold. "But… I've never found him.

Asuna's eyes filled with sympathy, and Deku struggled to keep his own emotions in check. The weight of her words settled heavily on them both as they tried to process how such a young girl could have survived so long on her own.

"And where have you been living?" Asuna asked gently. "Have you been moving from place to place?"

Eri looked confused, her brow furrowing as she tried to find the words. "Sometimes… I see a white light, and then there's nothing. After a little while, I wake up again, but… I'm never in the same place." Her eyes filled with tears, and she shivered slightly, the fear clear on her face.

Deku reached out, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Eri. You're safe with us now." But before he could say anything more, Eri suddenly launched herself into his arms, seeking comfort in his embrace.

Deku held her gently, his arms wrapping around her small frame as he murmured soothing words. Asuna watched, her heart aching as she saw how quickly Eri had latched onto him. Deku looked up at her, his expression serious.

"We need to find out more about her," Asuna whispered, worry etched across her face. "Maybe WaveKing will know something."

At the mention of leaving, Eri clung tighter to Deku, her voice small and desperate. "Please… don't leave me."

Deku placed a comforting hand on her head, gently patting her as he whispered, "We're not going anywhere, Eri. I promise."

Deku looked at Asuna, his eyes filled with concern. "It's already mid-afternoon. Maybe we should wait until tomorrow to figure out our next steps."

Asuna nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. It's been a long day for all of us."

Deku glanced down to check on Eri and noticed she had fallen asleep in his arms, her small form resting against his shoulder. A gentle smile spread across his face at the sight. "She must've been exhausted," he murmured.

Careful not to disturb her, he shifted slightly and picked her up, adjusting her so her head could rest more comfortably on his shoulder. Asuna quickly packed up the remnants of their picnic, and they began the walk back to the cabin, their footsteps quiet as they moved through the forest.

As they walked, Deku spoke softly. "Asuna, I can't help but worry about her. The way she described things… it's like she's been through so much already, even though she's so young."

Asuna's brow furrowed as she glanced over at him. "I know. The part about the white light and waking up somewhere else… it almost sounds like she's been teleported between floors without realizing it."

Deku nodded. "No child should have to go through something like that. To be so alone for so long…" He trailed off, his gaze fixed on Eri's peaceful face as she slept.

Asuna wrapped an arm around Deku's waist, offering him a gentle squeeze. "We'll figure this out together. Eri's not alone anymore."

Deku's expression softened, his eyes filled with gratitude as he looked at Asuna. With her by his side, he felt a renewed sense of determination.

Eri stirred awake, blinking her eyes open and looking around in confusion. She didn't recognize the room she was in, and for a moment, a hint of fear crossed her face. But then, she caught a familiar scent wafting from beyond the door, and the sound of light chatter filtered through. One voice, in particular, stood out—Deku's.

She slipped out of bed and cautiously made her way to the door, cracking it open to see Deku and Asuna talking as they prepared breakfast. Deku noticed her and smiled warmly. "Good morning, Eri! Come join us; we're just getting breakfast ready."

Still timid, Eri shuffled into the room, her eyes darting around nervously. Asuna gestured to a seat at the table and set down a plate piled high with eggs, sausages, rice, and a bowl of sliced fruit. Eri's eyes widened in awe, a bit of drool forming as she stared at the meal.

Eri looked up at Asuna, then back down at the table, her expression filled with wonder and a hint of disbelief. "All of this… it's really for me?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. She reached out hesitantly, as if afraid it might disappear, and touched the edge of the plate. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she glanced up again, as if seeking reassurance.

Asuna chuckled, kneeling beside her. "I made this special, just for you," she said with a bright smile. "You can have as much as you like."

Eri glanced from Asuna to the plate, still looking uncertain. She finally reached out, hesitantly picking up a piece of fruit. As soon as she took a bite, her eyes lit up with delight, and she quickly began devouring the food, moving from one item to the next, her initial caution forgotten.

Deku and Asuna exchanged glances as they watched her, a quiet happiness filling the room. After a while, Deku leaned forward, his voice gentle. "Eri, we're going to go see a friend of mine today, if that's alright with you. He's someone who might be able to help us figure things out."

Eri paused mid-bite, glancing at Deku with a wary expression. Her grip tightened on her spoon as if bracing herself for bad news.

Deku offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Eri. He's a really nice guy, and he's actually a hero. You're going to like him, I promise."

Eri's eyes sparkled with excitement, a new energy filling her voice. "Really?! A hero?" she asked, the enthusiasm something Deku hadn't heard from her before.

Asuna, equally surprised, blinked and turned to Deku. "Wait, when did you find that out?"

Deku scratched the back of his head, a bit sheepish. "Well, I used to do a lot of research on heroes, so when I crossed paths with WaveKing early on in the game, I recognized him right away as Present Mic."

Asuna seemed to process this new information quietly, while Eri continued to cling to Deku, a hint of trust in her gaze but still cautious. The three of them shared a quiet moment together, the sense of safety between them as they prepared to help Eri find the answers she needed. With a silent resolve, they set out toward the teleport plaza, with Eri sticking close to Deku's side as they began their journey.

The three of them walked together, the morning sun filtering through the trees as they made their way toward the teleport plaza. Eri stayed close, glancing around as they moved, still wary of her surroundings. After a few moments, she looked up at Deku, then reached out, slipping her small hand into his. He glanced down in surprise but smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as they continued on, side by side, with Asuna walking beside them.

The three of them teleported to the first floor, making their way to the ALF headquarters. As they approached the building, Eri's eyes widened, and she tugged at Deku's sleeve, blurting out, "Is that the hero?"

WaveKing quickly motioned for them to be quiet, glancing around before lightly scolding Deku, "You went and told your girlfriend, didn't you? And what, do you two already have a kid now?"

At the mention of Asuna being his girlfriend, Deku's face turned red, but the idea of Eri being their child sent him into a full-on muttering spiral. "No, I-I mean—Asuna isn't—well, not exactly—Eri, she's—"

Asuna chuckled at Deku's flustered response while Eri looked up at him, confused. Asuna leaned in close to WaveKing, giving him a playful glare, her eyes narrowing as she teased, "And what about you? Keeping secrets like that from me?" She fixed him with a look that made even the usually unflappable WaveKing shudder.

He leaned over to Deku and whispered, "She's terrifying."

After their exchange, the four of them headed inside the ALF building. Once settled, they explained everything they knew about Eri, her circumstances, and her strange experiences since entering the game. Unfortunately, WaveKing didn't recognize any of the details they shared.

WaveKing sighed, scratching his head. "This is… strange, to say the least. Until we figure something out, it's probably best that you two keep an eye on her." He looked to Eri. "You seem like you're in good hands."

They added Eri to their party, and when her player details appeared, they were surprised to see that she was only level one. Deku and Asuna exchanged confused glances, the mystery deepening. "She couldn't have survived this long out there at level one," Asuna murmured. "It's… impossible."

WaveKing furrowed his brow, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "It doesn't add up," he said. "Even the safest areas on higher floors have low-level monsters that could take down a level one player in seconds." He looked to Deku, his face serious. "There's something strange going on here. If she's been moving from place to place, like she said, then maybe someone—or something—has been transporting her around."

Deku frowned, his mind racing as he tried to piece it all together. "She mentioned seeing a white light and then waking up somewhere else… almost like she's been teleported without knowing it."

WaveKing nodded, his expression troubled. "We don't know enough yet, but you two are right to keep an eye on her. There's a lot about this game we still don't understand."

Deku looked down at Eri, who was clutching Asuna's hand, a hint of anxiety in her eyes as she looked up at him. He gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll figure this out," he promised, and Eri's grip on Asuna's hand relaxed slightly.

As they walked toward the exit of the ALF headquarters, WaveKing placed a hand on Deku's shoulder, guiding him to a quieter corner away from Asuna and Eri. Deku felt a knot tighten in his stomach, and his pulse quickened. It was the first time he'd spoken with WaveKing alone since the Laughing Coffin raid, and a part of him had dreaded this moment. He didn't know how WaveKing would see him now, with blood on his hands. WaveKing had been a symbol of heroism for him, someone he admired and looked up to, almost like a teacher. And though they'd never shared a classroom, WaveKing had been one of the first to truly believe in him.

Deku hesitated, glancing down at his hands. Hands that had taken lives. He could still feel the weight of it, as though the blood was something that wouldn't wash away. Before he could say anything, WaveKing spoke, his voice low and heavy with regret.

"Midoriya…" WaveKing's usually vibrant and upbeat tone was subdued, laden with sorrow. "I'm sorry. For everything. For what you went through back there. You should've never had to bear that kind of burden. I should have been there sooner. I should have…" He trailed off, his fist clenched tight at his side, knuckles white. Deku could see the struggle in WaveKing's eyes, the pain of having failed one of his students. It hit Deku then, just how much WaveKing had carried all this time.

"You're just a kid," WaveKing continued, his voice cracking slightly. "I knew you were strong, Midoriya. One of the strongest I've seen. But that wasn't a call you should have had to make." He took a shaky breath, forcing himself to meet Deku's gaze. "I was scared that day, you know? Scared I'd lost another student. I've lost too many people already, and the thought of losing you… it was unbearable. I thought… I thought I had let you down."

Deku's heart ached at those words. He hadn't realized just how deeply WaveKing felt the weight of the raid, and the guilt that came with it. "Mic…" he began, his voice soft, "I… I was afraid to talk to you. I didn't know how you'd feel about me now. I didn't know if you'd still look at me the same way, now that I…" His voice broke, and he swallowed hard. "Now that I've taken lives."

WaveKing shook his head slowly, a deep sadness in his eyes. "Izuku, I've seen too many heroes fall because they carried too much alone. I didn't want that for you. I saw something special in you from the start. Even without a quirk, you had the heart of a hero. And I thought if I could just guide you a little, if I could just keep you safe…" He trailed off, a bitter smile touching his lips. "But I wasn't there when you needed me. And I hate that. I hate that I left you alone to make that choice."

Deku looked up, his own eyes shining with unshed tears. "You were there, though," he said quietly, his voice steadying. "You were there in the way you believed in me. In the way you always encouraged me to keep going, to push past my limits. You gave me something no one else ever had. And because of you, I wasn't completely alone. You set me on the right path." He managed a small, bittersweet smile. "I made the choice to protect the people I love, and now I'll have to live with the consequences for the rest of my life. But knowing that you're not disappointed in me… it makes it easier to bear."

WaveKing reached out, resting a hand on Deku's shoulder. "Midoriya, I could never be disappointed in you. I know the choice you made wasn't an easy one. And it was a choice no one should have had to make. But you did what you thought was right. You protected those who couldn't protect themselves, even if it came at a cost. That's what heroes do. And I'm so damn proud of you for that."

The words settled over Deku like a soothing balm, and he felt a tear slip down his cheek. He'd been carrying the fear that WaveKing would see him as a failure, as someone who had strayed too far from the ideals of a hero. But now, with WaveKing's hand steady on his shoulder and his words resonating in his heart, Deku felt a warmth spreading through him. A reassurance that, despite everything, he hadn't lost his way entirely.

"You're not alone in this," WaveKing said, his voice gentle. "You've got Asuna, and now you've got Eri. You've come so far, and it makes me happy to see you walking around with a smile again." He gave Deku's shoulder a firm squeeze. "You've got a long way to go, but you're not walking it by yourself. And I'll be right here, cheering you on."

Deku nodded, his voice thick with emotion as he replied, "Thank you. For everything." He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I won't let you down. I'll keep moving forward. And I'll do it with the people I love."

WaveKing pulled him into a quick, fierce hug, his voice soft and full of pride as he whispered, "You've come really far, kid. I'm proud of you. Don't ever doubt that."

As they pulled back, Deku wiped his eyes, a small, grateful smile on his face. Just then, Eri's voice called out from across the room, "Deku! Are you ready to go?"

With a final nod to WaveKing, Deku turned back to Asuna and Eri, feeling lighter than he had in a long time. They exchanged their goodbyes, and as they walked out of the ALF headquarters, Deku carried with him the reassurance that he was still someone WaveKing believed in—a hero in his own right, with a path that was his to walk.

As the days passed, Eri's once timid demeanor began to soften, and with each passing moment, she seemed to trust Deku and Asuna a little more. They settled into a comfortable rhythm, sharing laughter, stories, and quiet moments that made the harsh reality of Aincrad feel a little less daunting.

Over the course of the next two months, their small family grew even closer. Eri's once fearful eyes now held a light of happiness, and her laughter became a constant in their lives. Asuna found joy in preparing meals for them, and Deku spent his days both training and playing with Eri, their bond deepening with every day that passed. Eri's fear began to fade, replaced with a growing confidence and a sense of security.

One warm afternoon, Deku and Eri were out in the yard, running around as they often did. Eri's laughter rang out, filling the air as she chased after Deku, her small feet kicking up the dust in their wake. Asuna watched them from the porch, a contented smile on her face, her heart swelling with affection as she observed their growing connection.

Finally, after another burst of laughter, Eri ran up to Deku and took his hand, looking up at him with a thoughtful expression. They walked back toward the porch together, Eri's face filled with curiosity.

"Deku?" she began, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.

Deku looked down at her, giving her an encouraging smile. "Yeah, Eri? What's on your mind?"

She hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I… I know I already have Asuna as my big sister…" She paused, her gaze dropping as she scuffed the ground with her foot. "But… could you be my big brother?"

Deku's heart swelled, and he knelt down beside her, his eyes filled with warmth. "Of course, Eri," he replied, his voice full of affection. "I'd love to be your big brother."

Eri's face lit up with joy, and she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Deku wrapped his arms around her in return, holding her close as he glanced up at Asuna, who stood watching with a soft smile.

Asuna wiped a small tear from her eye, her face glowing with happiness. She knew that, for all the hardship they had faced, this connection was worth it. Eri's smile and Deku's newfound sense of purpose had brought light back into their lives.

In that moment, as the three of them stood together, they knew they had found something irreplaceable—a family.

The sun had begun its descent, casting a warm, golden light over the village on Floor 22 as lanterns flickered to life around the lake. Small stalls lined the cobblestone paths, offering treats, trinkets, and games. It was a modest gathering, but the villagers had worked hard to create a cheerful atmosphere. Laughter and music filled the air, blending with the gentle sounds of the lake as the festival continued.

Deku, Asuna, and Eri wandered through the village, stopping at each stall to marvel at the homemade goods and admire the bright colors of the decorations. Eri's eyes shone with wonder as she gazed around, taking it all in. It had been almost two months since Deku and Asuna had taken her in, and though she'd been shy and hesitant at first, she now clung to them with a joy that warmed their hearts. This small village had become a safe haven for them all, a place where they could forget, if only for a little while, the dangers that lurked beyond.

As the three walked from stall to stall, Eri's smile never faded. She'd grown so much in these past two months, transforming from the timid girl they had first met into a lively spirit. She pointed excitedly at a stand where children were making simple paper lanterns, tugging Deku's sleeve with a look of awe.

"Look look, big brother!" Eri exclaimed, pointing at a stand where children were making simple paper lanterns. She tugged on Deku's sleeve, her excitement contagious. "Can we make one too?"

"Of course," Deku replied, lifting Eri onto his shoulders so she could see everything from above. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her take in the view, her face bright and innocent.

They made their way to the lantern stand, where an elderly player guided them in crafting a lantern together. Eri concentrated hard, her small hands fumbling with the paper and string, but with Deku and Asuna's help, she soon held up a completed lantern, beaming with pride.

"Do you think it'll float?" she asked, holding the lantern close as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

Asuna knelt beside her, smiling softly. "It will. And with the three of us working together, it'll shine brighter than any other."

Eri's face lit up even more. She took a few steps back and released the lantern onto the lake, her eyes wide as she watched it float away, glowing softly as it joined the other lights drifting across the water.

Nishida, one of the villagers who had grown fond of their little family, approached them with a friendly smile. "Well now, what a beautiful family moment," he said, winking at Deku. "You know, someday you'll have to put a ring on that young lady's finger."

Deku's face immediately turned red, and he sputtered, glancing awkwardly at Asuna, who was similarly flustered. "I—well, I mean—uh…"

Eri looked up at them, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Put a ring? What does that mean?" she asked, her gaze curious as she looked between Deku and Nishida.

Nishida chuckled warmly, patting Eri's shoulder. "It means to get married," he explained with a gentle smile. "It's what people do when they want to be together forever."

Eri's eyes widened, and she looked at Deku and Asuna with an earnest expression. "I thought you were already going to be together forever," she said, as if the answer should be obvious.

Caught off guard, Deku and Asuna both froze, exchanging glances as they tried to process her words. Deku scratched the back of his head, his cheeks bright red. "W-Well, um… we…"

Asuna knelt beside Eri, giving her a soft smile. "Well, sometimes people make a special promise like that by getting married," she explained, though her cheeks were still flushed. "It's… a big decision."

Eri tilted her head, considering this. "Then you should get married!" she said with a wide smile. "That way, we can all stay together forever."

Deku's eyes widened, and he exchanged a glance with Asuna, who looked equally taken aback. He stammered, "W-Well, that's… uh, that's a big decision, Eri."

Asuna nodded, her face still pink. "It is… it's a special promise that people make when they're older and ready."

Eri's expression grew thoughtful, and she seemed to mull this over. "But you do love each other, right?" She looked between them, her big, innocent eyes waiting for an answer.

Caught off guard, Deku and Asuna both froze, but they couldn't deny the truth of her words. They shared a glance, their cheeks red but their expressions soft. Finally, Deku managed a nod. "Yes, Eri. We do."

Eri beamed, her excitement infectious. "Then it's settled! We'll be together forever." She took their hands in hers, squeezing them tightly.

Asuna chuckled softly, looking at Eri with fondness. "I guess you've made up your mind for us, haven't you?"

They spent the rest of the evening wandering through the festival, playing games and sharing treats. Eri seemed endlessly fascinated by everything around her, and she clung to them as if she couldn't bear to let go. They laughed together, the weight of Aincrad forgotten for a little while as they reveled in the simplicity of this rare, happy moment.

As the festival began to wind down, the three of them made their way back along the forest path toward their cabin, their footsteps quiet as they relished the peace of the night. Eri walked between them, holding their hands and chattering about all the things they'd seen.

But as they reached a quiet stretch of the path, Eri suddenly faltered, her grip on Deku's hand loosening. She stumbled, clutching at her chest as her face twisted in confusion.

"Eri?" Deku knelt down beside her, worry flooding his face as he saw her begin to glow faintly, her health bar appearing above her with a dangerous, rapid decline. He reached out, his heart pounding. "Eri, what's happening? Are you hurt?"

Asuna dropped to her knees beside them, her hands shaking as she tried to inspect Eri's health bar. "No… no, this can't be happening. There's no warning, no sign… What's happening to her?"

Eri's small hand clutched at Deku's sleeve, her eyes wide and frightened as tears welled up. "Big brother… what's going on?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Deku's mind raced, desperate for answers as he tried to hold her close, as if he could shield her from whatever was causing this. "I don't know, Eri, but I'm here. We're here. We're not going to leave you."

But Eri's body continued to fade, her form flickering like a candle about to be snuffed out. She looked up at Deku, her gaze filled with a trust and innocence that made his heart ache. And then, just like that, her small body broke into fragments of light, dissolving in his arms as she disappeared.

Asuna let out a choked sob, reaching out to grasp the empty air where Eri had been only a moment ago. The world seemed to spin around them, the weight of her sudden absence crashing down like a tidal wave.

Deku collapsed to his knees, his hands still stretched out where Eri had been, the emptiness left behind almost unbearable. He closed his eyes, feeling the hot tears streaming down his cheeks as he tried to comprehend what had just happened.

The gentle sounds of the festival in the distance faded, leaving them in a silence that felt hollow and cruel. Eri was gone, and all that remained were the fragments of their memories together, scattered like the pieces of light that had vanished into the night.

Denial

It had been almost two months since Eri's sudden disappearance, and each day, Deku and Asuna woke with the same hope that today would be the day they'd find her. They'd spent countless hours combing through the floors, talking to anyone who might have seen a small girl with white hair and a horn. Though their voices grew more strained with each question, they refused to accept that she was truly gone. Instead, they clung to the idea that she was just out of reach, like a shadow they could almost catch.

Deku kept his tone upbeat, reassuring Asuna and himself as much as anyone else. "She's out there, I know it," he'd say each morning as they set out, his voice laced with determination. "We've just got to keep looking, and we'll find her. Eri's smart; she knows how to survive."

They started every day the same way, following a meticulous plan to search each level they hadn't checked yet. Deku was relentless, pushing them to check every corner of every floor, never willing to give up until they had thoroughly explored each area. Asuna did her best to keep up, nodding at Deku's words with a forced smile, echoing his sentiments even as doubts began to creep in.

"Maybe she's hiding somewhere," Asuna would suggest, her tone hopeful, even if her eyes betrayed a growing sense of unease. "Maybe she's just waiting for the right moment to come back."

But as they spoke, an unsettling silence would often fall between them. They both avoided voicing the darker thoughts gnawing at the back of their minds. Every empty room and every unturned stone felt like a reminder of the harsh truth they were unwilling to face, yet they buried those feelings, pushing them aside with desperate optimism.

In their hearts, neither of them wanted to consider the possibility that Eri might be gone forever. They focused on recounting all the plans they'd made with her, filling the void with memories and dreams that felt more fragile with each passing day. Deku spoke of taking Eri to new floors she hadn't seen yet, describing each place with vivid detail as though painting a picture of a future that was still possible.

"We still have to take her to the floors with the hot springs," Deku would say, forcing a smile. "She'd love it there. And there's this spot on the 50th floor with these amazing views. She'll be so excited to see it."

Asuna would nod along, adding her own ideas, her voice trembling as she spoke. "And I'll make all of her favorite foods," she'd reply, blinking back tears as she thought of Eri's bright smile. "Remember how much she loved those sweet dumplings? I'll make them every day if she wants."

Every evening, they returned home weary but still holding onto the slimmest thread of hope. They refused to acknowledge the ache that grew sharper each time they ended another day empty-handed. Deku would often sit by the window, staring out into the distance as if expecting Eri to appear at any moment. Asuna would sit beside him, her hand clasped in his, both of them wrapped in silence as they gazed into the night.

Sometimes, Deku would quietly whisper to himself, "She's out there. She has to be. We just haven't looked in the right place yet."

On rare occasions, their conversations would take on a surreal quality, as though they were narrating a story they didn't entirely believe. They'd laugh softly, recounting memories and inside jokes they'd shared with Eri, as if speaking her name enough times would summon her back to them.

"Do you remember how she would hide behind you every time we met someone new?" Asuna would ask, a faint smile crossing her face as she remembered Eri's shy, timid nature.

"Yeah," Deku would reply, his gaze distant. "And how she'd cling to my arm whenever we crossed the bridge. She always said it felt too high."

They would talk like this for hours, losing themselves in a world of memories that felt almost like a dream. But as the days wore on, the strain became harder to hide. Their voices grew quieter, and the silences between them stretched longer. Yet, they still clung to the belief that Eri was out there somewhere, just waiting to be found.

Their search continued, each floor a new labyrinth of hope and despair. Deku refused to let himself believe that they'd lost her. He pushed them both to keep going, always with a determined, almost frantic energy that bordered on desperation.

Even as doubts gnawed at their resolve, they kept moving forward, driven by the hope that they'd see her again. They were unwilling to face the reality that was lurking beneath their denial, so they filled the empty spaces with plans, dreams, and the unwavering conviction that this wasn't the end.

In their hearts, they weren't ready to let go. Not yet. Not when there was still a chance—even if only in their minds—that Eri could be waiting for them just around the next corner.

Bargaining

As the weeks dragged on, the hope Deku and Asuna had clung to began to fray, but they weren't ready to accept that Eri was truly gone. Instead, they found themselves making silent promises to anyone who might be listening, bargaining with a fate they couldn't control.

"If we just keep looking, just a little longer, we'll find her," Deku whispered to himself late one night, his gaze fixed on the stars above. "If I can be just a little stronger, then maybe… maybe she'll come back to us." He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his own words. He was desperate, willing to do anything—be anything—to bring Eri back.

Asuna, too, was caught in the cycle of bargaining. She'd stay up late, poring over maps and making lists of floors they hadn't checked thoroughly. "There has to be something we missed," she muttered, spreading the maps out on the table, her eyes scanning the tiny markings. "We can't have looked everywhere yet. If we just try harder, maybe… maybe there's still a chance."

They spoke about their search as if it were a puzzle with a solution, something they could solve if they just worked hard enough. They convinced themselves that, if they were diligent, they could change the outcome. It became a ritual, something that filled the empty spaces where hope had once been.

Deku began to train even more rigorously, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion each day. He'd make silent vows as he swung his sword, over and over, the repetitive motion a comfort in its simplicity. "If I can just be faster, if I can just be stronger," he'd think, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I won't let this happen again. I'll be ready."

He found himself replaying the events in his mind, searching for some way he could have prevented Eri's disappearance. Every moment, every decision was scrutinized, and he told himself that if he'd just been more vigilant, more careful, then none of this would have happened. "If only I'd paid more attention… if only I'd been a better protector."

Asuna, on the other hand, turned to the people they'd met along their journey, hoping for answers that never came. She'd spend hours asking villagers, players, anyone who might have seen something, anything, about a girl with white hair and a horn. "If I can just find someone who's seen her… if I can just find one clue, then we'll know she's out there."

They even started searching through floors they'd already combed through, convincing themselves that maybe they had missed a sign, or perhaps Eri had moved. "She's just trying to find her way back to us," Asuna would say, her voice filled with a strained optimism. "Maybe she's looking for us, too."

Together, they wandered through forgotten towns and empty fields, clinging to each other as they whispered their bargains to the wind. They spoke of all the things they'd do differently if they had another chance, of all the ways they'd protect her, hold onto her tighter, never let her out of their sight.

"If we just keep going, then she'll come back," Deku would say, his voice almost pleading, as if hoping that sheer determination could bring her back. Asuna would nod, her face set in a determined expression as they walked side by side, their hands intertwined.

They were lost in the endless cycle of "what ifs" and "if onlys," each of them searching for a way to rewrite the past, even as the reality of the present loomed closer with each passing day. The more they bargained, the more they found themselves slipping into a place where hope was intertwined with desperation, and they became shadows of the people they once were, haunted by the promises they couldn't keep.

With every step, they whispered silent pleas, offering pieces of themselves to an indifferent world, hoping that somehow, by some miracle, Eri would return to them. But as the days continued to pass, their words began to feel more like echoes, fading into the distance as the weight of their grief pressed down on them, leading them ever closer to the next stage.

Depression

As the fruitless days of searching stretched into weeks, the weight of reality began to settle in, and a profound sense of emptiness took hold of Deku and Asuna. They had combed through every lead, retraced every step, and yet Eri was still nowhere to be found. The hope that had once kept them going now seemed hollow, a painful reminder of everything they had lost.

Deku became quieter, his usual spark dimmed. He spent hours staring out over the lake, his thoughts distant and clouded. The once comforting solitude now felt suffocating, but he couldn't bring himself to move. He'd sit there, his gaze unfocused, as memories of Eri flickered through his mind. Her laughter, the way she'd clung to him with trust in her eyes—it all felt like a cruel illusion now, something he couldn't reach no matter how hard he tried.

Asuna, too, withdrew into herself. She stopped visiting the towns, stopped asking questions, stopped making lists of places they hadn't searched. The maps lay untouched on the table, forgotten and gathering dust. She found herself wandering aimlessly through the forest, drawn to the places where they had once played with Eri, her mind replaying every precious moment they'd shared. It was as if she was searching for traces of their time together, hoping to find a piece of Eri left behind, but each place only served to remind her of the emptiness that had taken root.

They were both drowning, each caught in their own spiral of despair. The world around them felt muted, as though the colors had faded, leaving only a dull, gray landscape that mirrored the heaviness in their hearts. The vibrant forest of Floor 22, once so full of life, now seemed like a hollow shell, the silence pressing down on them like a weight they couldn't shake.

Deku rarely spoke, and when he did, his words were brief, hollow. He moved through the days like a ghost, his steps slow and heavy. He no longer felt the need to train, no longer felt the urgency that had once driven him. Instead, he spent his time wandering the lake's edge, lost in thought, his mind a whirlpool of guilt and sadness. He replayed the last moments with Eri over and over, tormenting himself with thoughts of what he could have done differently. It felt like he was trapped in an endless loop, reliving the same pain again and again.

Asuna noticed the change in him, saw how he was retreating further and further into himself, and it broke her heart. She wanted to reach out, to pull him back, but she felt paralyzed by her own grief. Her strength, the resolve she had once clung to, seemed to have dissolved, leaving her feeling small and vulnerable. The cabin, once a place of warmth and comfort, now felt cold and empty, and even Deku's presence couldn't chase away the shadows that had taken root in her heart.

Some nights, she would lie awake, listening to the sound of Deku's breathing beside her, the steady rhythm a reminder that, at least in some way, they were still connected. But even in those quiet moments, she felt a distance growing between them, a chasm that seemed impossible to bridge. She missed the way he used to look at her, the way his smile would light up the room. Now, he was just as broken as she was, and they were both left clinging to fragments of what they once had.

In those rare moments when they did speak, their conversations were tinged with sadness, their voices barely above a whisper. They would talk about Eri, sharing memories and small details, but it only served to deepen the ache in their chests. The more they spoke, the more it felt like she was slipping away, her presence fading from their lives like a fading dream.

One evening, as they sat by the lake, Asuna finally broke the silence. Her voice was shaky, barely more than a whisper. "Do you think… do you think she's happy, wherever she is?" The question hung in the air, heavy and full of longing.

Deku didn't answer right away. He stared out at the water, his eyes distant, and after a long pause, he nodded slowly. "I hope so," he murmured, his voice filled with a quiet desperation. "I hope she's somewhere safe. Somewhere… better than this."

They sat together in the growing darkness, the weight of their grief pressing down on them, binding them together even as it threatened to tear them apart. They had both lost so much, and the future felt uncertain, a shadowed path that neither of them knew how to navigate. But in that moment, they found a fragile comfort in each other's presence, a small, flickering light in the midst of their shared despair.

Anger

As the third month dragged on, frustration began to eat away at the sadness that had once overwhelmed them. The fruitless searches, the long days of scouring floors, and the hopeless nights spent grasping at straws had left them both exhausted and bitter. It was as if they were trapped in a never-ending cycle, each step forward only leading them further into the darkness.

Deku threw himself into training again, but it wasn't the focused, determined training he was used to. This was something different—fierce, chaotic, and driven by a seething anger that bubbled just below the surface. He swung his sword until his arms ached, attacking the trees in the clearing until they splintered and fell, as if breaking the world around him could somehow ease the storm inside.

One night, Asuna woke to find his side of the bed empty once more. She followed the familiar path to the clearing, where she found him amidst the ruins of his own making. He was covered in sweat, his hands bleeding from gripping his sword too tightly, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. She stood at the edge of the clearing, watching him with a mix of anger and sorrow. She knew this wasn't just about Eri anymore—it was about everything he'd lost, everything he couldn't change.

"Izuku!" Her voice cut through the air, sharp and unyielding. He stopped mid-swing, turning to face her with a wild look in his eyes. But before he could speak, she closed the distance between them, her own anger rising to meet his. "What are you doing? Do you really think that this is going to help anything?"

Deku's fists tightened around his sword, his jaw clenching as he struggled to find the words. "I'm just… I'm trying to get stronger," he spat, his voice rough with frustration. "If I could've just—" His voice faltered, the anger momentarily giving way to something more vulnerable. "I'm always a step behind, Asuna. Every single time. No matter what I do, I can't keep up. I can't protect the people I love. Eri just… disappeared. She was there, and then she wasn't, and nothing I did could've stopped it."

Asuna's face twisted with anger and hurt, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "Do you think this is what Eri would want?" she yelled, her voice breaking. "Would she want you to destroy yourself, to push me away, to live in this nightmare you're creating? Eri wanted to believe in something better. She had hope, even in this horrible place. And you—" Her voice trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. "You're throwing that all away."

Deku's chest heaved as he took in her words, each one a knife that cut through the fog of his anger. He looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the toll his actions had taken. She was breaking, just as much as he was, and he realized with a sickening jolt that he had been too blinded by his own pain to see it. "I'm sorry…" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

But Asuna wasn't finished. She stepped forward, her tears falling freely now, her voice trembling with a mixture of rage and desperation. "You promised me, Izuku. You promised that we'd get through this together. But now… now it feels like I'm losing you, too." She paused, her shoulders shaking as she tried to hold herself together. "I need you, Izuku. I need you to fight this with me. Because I can't do it alone."

The sight of her standing there, her face wet with tears, broke something inside him. The anger melted away, replaced by a crushing guilt that left him breathless. He dropped his sword, letting it fall to the ground with a dull thud, and took a step toward her. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she finally let go, her sobs muffled against his chest.

He whispered soft apologies, over and over, as they clung to each other, both of them trembling in the aftermath of their shared fury. For the first time in weeks, they allowed themselves to be vulnerable, to acknowledge the depths of their pain and the fear that had driven them apart. And in that moment, as they held each other close, they began to understand that the only way forward was together.

The rawness of their emotions left them both drained, but as they slowly made their way back to the cabin, there was a new sense of determination between them. They had faced their anger, let it tear through them, and now they could begin to rebuild. The road ahead was still uncertain, but they knew that as long as they had each other, they could find a way through the darkness.

Acceptance

Got it. Here's the continuation:

Asuna shifted closer, then, without hesitation, moved onto Deku's lap. She rested her head on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against his. The warmth of the moment wrapped around them, comforting, and familiar. She closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh. "Sometimes, I wish things were simpler," she said quietly. "Without all the complications, the expectations. Just you, me, and our own choices."

Deku nodded, feeling the weight of her words. He glanced to the side, his gaze falling on a picture that sat next to the bed. It was from the festival, a snapshot of the three of them—Deku, Asuna, and Eri. The smiles on their faces were genuine, their happiness almost palpable through the image. Beside the picture was Eri's teddy bear, a constant reminder of the little girl who had become so precious to them.

As Deku stared at the photo, a thought began to take root in his mind. He tightened his hold on Asuna, his heart pounding as he realized just how much she meant to him, how much he wanted to hold onto this—hold onto her. He lifted his gaze, his eyes meeting hers.

"Asuna," he began, his voice steady, though his heart was racing. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning but gentle.

"What is it?" she asked, her brows furrowing slightly.

Deku hesitated for only a moment before continuing. "I know… I know that this might be a strange place to say this, considering everything. But I don't care what the world thinks or what expectations there are. I want us to make a promise to each other, here and now." He swallowed, his voice growing softer. "Let's get married. In this game, in this moment. Let's show that what we have is real, no matter where we are."

Asuna's eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise. For a heartbeat, there was silence between them, and then her expression softened, her eyes glistening with tears. "Deku… Are you sure?"

He nodded, his gaze never wavering. "I've never been more sure of anything. I love you, Asuna. And I want everyone—no matter where we are—to know that."

A smile broke across her face, and she cupped his cheek, leaning in to brush her lips against his. "Then yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Let's get married. Here, now, and always."

They kissed again, a promise made between them that transcended the boundaries of Aincrad, of the expectations waiting for them outside the game. In that moment, it was just the two of them, choosing each other, against all odds.

A few days later, Deku found himself walking alongside Present Mic, his mind racing as he tried to gather his thoughts. The weight of the decision still pressed on him, though he felt confident in what he wanted. Now, he just needed to find the right words. Present Mic, sensing the tension in the air, decided to break the silence first.

"So, what's up, Deku? You don't usually pull me aside like this. Everything okay?" Present Mic asked, a hint of concern in his tone.

Deku took a deep breath, steadying himself before speaking. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you. It's about Asuna and me." He paused, looking away for a moment before continuing, "We… we want to do something to show that our time here meant something. We know it's just a game, but it feels real to us. It is real to us." He hesitated again, glancing at Present Mic with a sheepish smile. "We were wondering if… you'd officiate a wedding for us."

Present Mic's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he was speechless. "A wedding, huh? Well, I didn't see that one coming," he finally replied, his voice softening as he took in the sincerity in Deku's expression. "You're sure about this?"

Deku nodded, his resolve clear in his eyes. "We are. And it's not just about us. Eri—before she… well, before everything happened—she was so excited about the idea. It's almost like she made the decision for us." He let out a shaky breath, his gaze steady. "It's something we both want. We want to honor her memory and everything we've been through together."

Present Mic's face softened into a gentle smile, a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. "I'd be honored, kid. I can't think of anything more fitting." He clapped a hand on Deku's shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. "We'll make it something special, I promise."

The day of the ceremony arrived, and the chosen spot was perfect—a small clearing with a view overlooking the lake, framed by trees bathed in soft, golden light. Klein, Agil, Mito, Liz, and Silica were there, each dressed in their best and standing with quiet smiles as they waited. The atmosphere was peaceful, a rare reprieve from the chaos of Aincrad, and the air was filled with joy as Present Mic, officiating with a mix of humor and heartfelt words, began the ceremony.

Deku and Asuna stood together, hands intertwined, their eyes locked on each other. Deku took a steadying breath, his voice filled with emotion as he spoke. "Asuna, I promise to stand by you, no matter what this world throws at us. You are my strength, my hope, and my heart. No matter how hard things get, I will always be here for you. Always."

Asuna's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and a soft smile graced her face as she squeezed his hands. "Izuku, I promise to walk beside you, to face whatever lies ahead, together. You've shown me what it means to hope, to fight, and to love. And I promise, wherever we go from here, I will always believe in you. Always."

Their vows, spoken with quiet conviction, hung in the air, a testament to the bond they had forged and the promise they now shared. In that moment, they were each other's constant—always. As they exchanged rings, a soft breeze swept through the clearing, and for a moment, it felt like Eri was there with them, smiling as brightly as ever.

The ceremony ended with cheers and laughter, as their friends surrounded them, congratulating them with warm embraces and joyful smiles. As the sun began to set, they all gathered together, a makeshift family bound not by blood, but by shared memories, laughter, and unbreakable bonds.

In the darkness, the small room lay empty and still, its bare walls covered with peeling posters meant for children, faded images of cartoon animals and bright colors long gone dull. A single mattress rested on the floor, stained and without sheets or blankets. At its center sat a lone doll, its button eyes staring vacantly into the gloom.

Suddenly, the door to the room flew open, crashing against the wall with a force that rattled the room. A little girl, covered in fresh bandages that wrapped around her small arms and legs, was thrown onto the mattress. She stumbled and fell, her red eyes wide with fear as she scrambled backward, away from the doorway.

A man stood in the doorway, his silhouette tall and menacing as he looked down at her. "Keep quiet," he sneered, his voice low and cold. "If you even think of causing trouble, you'll regret it."

He slammed the door shut, and the room fell into silence once more. Eri sat there, trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. She looked down at the doll lying beside her, reaching for it with trembling hands. Hugging it close to her chest, she let the tears fall, her small body shaking with sobs.

"Big Brother Deku… Big Sis Asuna…" she whimpered softly, her voice choked with sorrow. "Where are you?"

AUTHOR NOTES:Sorry that took so long everybody. I had some key ideas so didn't think it'd take me so long. Doesn't help I've gotten pretty busy recently so it's been hard to work on the story as much as I had. It also doesn't help though that this was one of the longest chapters... Alright now expect some action next chapter, I've set a lot of stuff up so far and we're about to start connecting some dots. Thanks for being patient everyone. Have a good one! :)